Electric sign system.



H. L. BURNS & S. B. WILLIAMS, JE.

BLEGTRIG SIGN SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. 24, 1909.

Ll 16,007. L Patented 1.\10v.3,1914.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

75 f A t mM/A @nl H. L. BURNS & S. B. WILLIAMS, JB.

ELECTRIC SIGN SYSTEM.

APPLICATION PILPD AUG. 24, 191m.

Patented Nov.3,1914.

H. Il. BURNS & S. B. WILLIAMS, JR. ELECTRIC SIGN SYSTEM. APPLICATION FILED 111111.24, 1909.

Patented Nov. 3, 1914.

4 SHBETSSHEET 3.

H. L. BURNS & S. B. WILLIAMS, JR.

ELECTRIC SIGN SYSTEM.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. 24, 1909.

Patntea N0v.3,1914.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

'UNITED s'raris PATENT crimen.

HARVEY L. BURNS, OF NEWARK, NEW JERSEY, ANI) SAMUEL B. "WILLIAMS, JR., F

NEW YORK, N. Y.

ELECTRIC SIGN SYSTEM.

v and State of New Jersey, and the borough of Manhattan in the city and S-tateof New York, have invented a new and useful 11n-- provement in Electricv 'Sign Systems, of whichthe following is a specification.

Our invention relates to electric sign display systems and has for its object to pro` vide certain improvements in the construction, form and arrangement of: the several parts of the system whereby any symbol or combination ofY symbols may be displayed in a simple and effective manner by. the manipulation of one or more keys of a single key-board.

Our invention contemplates'the use of a sign board composed of a plurality of units each havingv a plurality of electrically operated signals so arranged that different sym` bols may be displayed thereby by the energization of diiierent combinations or groups of electrically operated'signals' under the control of different keys of the keyboard.

Our invention further contemplates the use of a novel form of stepping device so arranged as to automatically' bring succeedmg sign board units under the control of the single key-board, the movement of the stepping 'device taking place after anfoperated key is released and is independent of the length of time which a key is operated, a release key being provided on the keyboard which will, when operated, vcause the stepping device to be returned to its normal position to bring the electricallyoperated signals of the first sign'board unit under the control of the key-board.

Our invention still further contemplates the use of a relay device arranged to maintain the electrically operated signals of the several sign board units in their displayed condition independent of the further energization of any of the'relay magnets until released by the operation of the release key. A space key is also provided in the keyboard for operating the stepping device to cause it to skip one or more sign-board units at pleasure, to form spaces betweenv different symbols or combinations of symbols. The key-board is also provided with a test key for testing all of the electrically operspecification of Letters Patent.

Application led August 24, 1909.

'cular Contact plates. .view of the relay device.

Patented Nov. 3, 1914.-. Serial No. 514,410.

ated signals at .any time for visual examination as to their eiiiciency.

A practical embodiment of our invention 1s represented in the accompanyingdiawings in which,

Figure is a. diagrammatic view illustrating two sign board units, a release key, a space key,a test key, two symbol keys and the electric circuit connections between the two symbol keys and their corresponding lamps in the two sign board units; the View also including diagrammatic representations of the stepping. device, the relay dcvice and the main current wires. Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the stepping device. Fig. 3 is a detail rear view of the same. Fig. 4: is a detail side view of the stepping `device, partially in section. Fig. 5 is a horizontal section taken in the plane of line AA of Fig. 4, looking in the direction of the arrows, and shows one of the-semicir Fig. 6 is a detail plan Fig. 7 is a detail front view thereof. Fig. 8 is a section taken in the plane of the line B-B of Fig. 7, looking in the direction of the arrows, and showsthe release magnet with its armature in its non-operated position. Fig. 9 is a section taken in the plane of the line C-C of Fig. 7, looking in the direction of the arrows, and shows a relay magnet with its armature in its non-operated position. Fig. 10 is a detail front view showing the position which the parts assume when the holding magnets are energized. -Fig. 11 is a section taken in the plane of t-he line D-D ot' Fig. 10, looking -in the direction of the arrows, and shows a relay magnet with its armature in its operated position. Fig. 12 is a detail front view showing the position which the parts assume when the release magnets are energized. Fig. 13 is a section taken in the plane of the line E-E otFig. 12, looking in the direction of the arrows, and shows the release magnet with its armaturein-its operated position, and Fig. 14 is a section taken in the plane of the line F-F of Fig. 12, lookingin the'direction ot' the arrows, and shows the release bar lifting the contact springs of a relay magnet.

In the accompanying drawings, electrically operated signals are shown in the forni of incandescent lamps, but it is understood that any form of electrically operated signals which will, when electric current is passing through it, so change its condition as to give a distinct signal, may be used. Furthermore, the construction of the stepping device and of the relay device need not necessarily take the form shown so long as the elements of our invention are embodied therein.

In the accompanying drawings and the following description, we have chosen to illustrate and explain our system in connection with two sign board units and two symbol keys of 'a key board, and only those lamps of the sign board units which are necessary for forming the letters I and T of the key board symbols are shown electrically connected up, and only those relays which are necessary for operating the lamps which are connected up are shown, it being understood that in the complete system a relay magnet is provided for each of the lamps of each sign board unit and that numerous symbol keys may ne provided on the key board for illuminating the lamps of each unit to display numerous different symbols.

The display sign comprises a. plurality of units each unitbearing a number of lamps so arranged that symbols of various kinds, such, for instance, as letters vand numerals, maybe displayed by illuminating certain series or groups of lamps. For a clear understanding of this invention, two of these display sign units and their electrica-l connections are shown and described, only those lamps of each u nit being connected up as will display the two letters 1 and T.- These two sign units are denoted by 1, 1* and the lamps are .denoted by 2, 2*. each lamp 2 of the sign unit 1, is connected by a wire 3 to the main line wire 4, and one side of each lam 2* of the sign unit l:F is connected by a wire 3* to the said main line wire 4. The other side of each lamp 2 of the sign unit 1, is connected through a relay 5 to the contact 6 of the stepping device by a wire 7, and similarly, the other side of each of the lamps 2* ofthe sign unit 1* is connected through a relay 5* to a second contact 6i of the stepping device by a wire 7*".

'The' line wire 4 leads through an electromagnetic switch 8 and a manually operated switch 9, which switch 9 also opens and closes the second main line wire 10. rent is furnished to the main line wires 4 and 10 from 'any suitable source of electric energy, such as a generator G. The key of the keyboard for illuminating the lamps of either of the sign units 1, l* to display the letter I, is denoted by 11 and the key for illuminating the lamps of either of the said units for displaying the letter T, is denoted by 12. The release key of the keyboard is denoted by 13, the space key by 14 and the test key by 15.

Proceeding to f One side ofV form of stepping device illustrated in detail in Figs. 2 to 5 inclusive, a suitable frame 16 is provided with a series of brackets 17 each supporting a semicircular plate 1S, which plate carries a series of contacts 6, 6*, etc. the number of contacts on each plate 18 correspondingvto the number of units in the display sign. The number of these plates 18 and their series of contacts G, 6*, etc. corresponds to the number of lamps in each sign unit. with a common conducting strip 19. This conducting strip 19 is insulated from the contacts 6, 6* etc. and the said contacts are insulated from one another, in the present instance, by providing the plate 18 of insulating material.

A vertically arranged rotary shaft Q0 is suitably mounted in the frame 16, which shaft is provided with a series of arms 21, each arm in turn being provided with a. bridge plate 22 arranged to bring any one of the contacts 6, 6*, etc. into electric connection with the strip 19, according to the rotative position ofthe shaft 20. This bridge plate .22 is insulated from the shaft 20, as for instance, by providing a block 23 of insulating material interposed between the bridge plate 22 and the arm 21. A tension spring 24 serves to return the shaft 2O to its normal position with the bridge plate 22 connecting the contact 6 with the strip 19.

The means which we employ for rotating the shaft 20 step by step to bring 'the respective bridge plates 22 successivelyA into position to permit the illumination of lamps in successive sign units, is as follows: An electro-magnet 25 has its armature 2G provided with a-pawl 2T arranged to engage the teeth of a ratchet wheel' 28 fixed to the -shaft 2O of the stepping device. A spring 29 serves to normally hold the pawl at theY limit of its forward movement and thearmature away from its magnet against a stop 30. A lock pawl 31 is provided for preventing the accidental reverse movement of the ratchet wheel 2S, a spring 32 being provided for holding the pawl in engagement with the said ratchet wheel. A spring 33 serves to hold the pawl 27 in engagement with the ,said ratchet wheel Q8.'

.The means Whichwe have shown for releasing'the ratchet wheel 28for permitting the shaft 20 of the stepping device to return to its normal position, comprises an electro-magnet 34 the armature 35 of which has a lost motion connection with the pawls Q7 `and 31, so that when the electro-Inagnet 34 is energized, the movement of the armature 35 will Withdraw the pawls 27 and 31 from their engagement with the ratchet wheel 28. This lost motion connection be tween the armature 35 and the pawls .27 and t l 31 is shown in the present instance, as a describe the particular l plate 3G carried by the armature 35 and so Each plate 18 is further provided connected to the paivls 27' and 31 as notI to interfere with their action upon the ratchet Wheel 28 when the electro-magnet 34 is deenergized.

rlhe means which We employ `for maintaining the lamps of preceding sign units in their` illuminated condition, While lamps in sucgeedi'ng units are being illuminated for completing a complete combination of vsymbols, and thev means which Wel employ for permitting all of the lamps to be extinguished at a single operation, is shown herein as constructed and arranged as follows:

The armatures 37 of the relay magnets 5 are held normally away from the said magnets erated position When once drawn up and the armature 37 cannot return to its normal position until the plate 39 is raised by the cross bar 43 in a manner described below. Thus the signals are maintained in their displayed condition independently of the relay-magnets. In other Words, the circuit is closed through the elements andis kept .closed by the contacts 39 and 40 independently of the further energization of the relay magnets 5. A similar arrangement is provided for the armatures 37* of the relay magnets 5* and their plates 39, 40:1.

A pair of electro-magnets 41 have their armatures 42 provided with a cross bar 43 arranged in position to engage and raise all of the plates 39 out of4 electric connection with the plates 40, when the electro-magnets 41 are energized. This raising of the plates 39 will permit the springs 38 to return the armatures 37 of the relay magnets 5 totheir normal. position for holding the plate 39 ont of electric connection with the `plate 4U when the relay magnets are denergized. It is to be understood that a similar pair of electromagnets 41* and their armatures 42TAG and bar 43* are provided for the-group of relay magnets 5"" oi the second sign unit 1*. lf the relays 5 or 5? are arranged in more than one strip, then a pair of release electromagnets 41 or 41:k must be provided for each strip.

Each of the several keys of the keyboard is provided with two or more contacts electrically connected, which contacts are arranged to open and close certain circuits as follows. The I symbol key l1 is provided with contact points 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, arranged to be brought into and out of electric connection with certain of the conducting strips 19 of the stepping against the' tric connection with the Wiredevice. This I symbol key 11 is further provided with contacts 55, 56, for operating the stepping device, the contact 55 being arranged tobe brought into and out of electric connection With a Wire 57 leading through the electro-magnet 25 of the stepping device to the main line Wire 4. The Contact 5G is arranged to be brought into and out of electric connection with the mainline Wire 1 0.

The T syinbol lrey 12 isprovided with conmets 5s, 59, 60, 61, 69, 6a, 64, 65, 66, 67, 6e, 69, 70, 71, 72, arranged to be brought into and out of electric connection with the several conductingA strips 19 of the stepping device. This T symbol key 12 is further provided With contacts 73, 74, for operating the stepping device, the contact 73 being arranged to be brought into and out of elec- 57 and the main linewire 4, and the contact 74 being arranged to be brought into and out of electric connection With the main line Wire 10. This release key 13 is provided With contacts 75, 77, the contact 75 being arranged to be brought into and out of connection With a wire 82 which leads tothe main line Wire 4 through an electro-magnet and the contact 77 being arranged to be brought into and out of electric connection with the main line Wire 10. A branch line Wire 78 leads from the main line Wire 4,l through the electromagnetic switch 8 and from thence to a contactv point engaged by the armature 79 of the electro-magnet 80, when the electro-magnet is denergized, vand from the armature 79 through the wire 81 to the main line Wire 10c A. Wire 76 leads from a contact point engaged by the armature 79, when the electromagnet 80 is energized, through the release magnet 41 of the relay device 5, to the main line wire 4. The Wire 76* leads from the Wire 7 6, through the release magnet 41"c of the relay device 5*, to the main line Wire 4. A spring tends t-o hold the armature 79 of the said electro-magnet 8() in such position that the branch line Wire 78 is in electric connection With the main line Wire 10, when the electro-magnet 80 is denergized and the circuit thereby completed through the electromagnetic switch 8, for energizing said electromagnetic switchto cause it to close the break in the main line Wire 4. A branch line wire 84 leads from the Wire 82 through the electro-magnet"34, to the Wire 57 and from thence to the main line wire 4. The space key 14'is provided with contacts 85, 86, for operating the stepping, device, the contact 85 being arranged toi-be brought into and out of electric connection with the wire 57 and main line Wire 4 and the contact 86 being arranged to be brought into and out of electric connection with the main line 10.

The test ltey 15 is provided with contacts e7, se, 69, 90, 9i, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99,

100, 101, arranged to be brought into and out of electric connection with their respective conducting strips 19. This test key 15 is also provided with contacts 102, 103, tor operating the stepping device, the contact -102 being arranged to be brought into and out of electric connection with the wire 57 and main line wire 4, and the contact 103 being arranged to be brought into and out of electric connection with the main line Wire 10. It is to be understood that in actual practice this test key will have contacts corresponding to -the number ot conducting strips 19 which, in turn, correspond in number to the number of lai'nps in each sign unit. In the present instance, the test key is only shown as provided with contacts for testing the lamps which are shown connected up to form the letters I and T, andthe contacts tor operatingthe stepping device. The main line wire 10 is electrically connected to the plates 39 of the relay magnets 5,through a wire 104, and Iwith the plates 39* of the relay magnets 5*, through a wire 104*;

In operation, presupposing the shaft 20 ot' the stepping the arms 21 of device are in such a position that the contacts 6 are in 1 electric connection with the conducting strip 19, through the bridge plate 22 :#-As the I symbol -key 11 is depressed its contacts 44.--54 will be brought into electric connection with the contacts 6. Also, its contacts 55, 56, will be brought into electric connection with the main line wires 4 and 10, respectively. A circuit is also normally completed through the electromagnetic switch through the wires 7 8, armature 79 and wirev 81, the electron'iagnetic switch being energized and thus closing the break in the line Wire 4. A circuit willbe completed through each lamp in the display sign unit 1, corresponding to the contacts 44-54 ot the I symbol key 11, from one side ot each lamp, through the wire 3 to the line wire 4, and

from the other sideo'f each lamp through the wire 7, windings of the relay electromagnets 5, contacts 6, conducting strips 19 and contacts on the key to the other main line wire 10. This will `cause the energization of the required relay magnets 5, thus moving the armatures 37 into position to allow th'e .pairs of plates 39, 40, to come into electric connection, and complete a parallel circuit through the plates 39, wires 104 to the main line wire 10, which will short circuit the key contacts 44-54 and denergize the relay -magnets 5, so that when the kev is released practically no current will have to be broken by the contacts 44-54.

The depression of the I lsymbol key 11, furthermore, causes its contacts 55, 56, to energize the electromagnet 25, thus withdrawing the pawl 27 carried by the armature 26, a distance of one tooth on the ratchet wheel 28 of the shaft 20 ot' the stepping de- -ready for producing the display of a vice. As the I symbol key 11 is released, the circuit through the electromagnet 25 will be broken, the magnet denergized and the tension spring 29 will then be permitted to eX- ert its pull upon the pawl 27 to turn the shaft 20 one step. The relay magnets 5 will maintain the lamps in the display sign unit 1 in their illuminated condition for displaying the letter I, while the sha-tt 20 has been rotated one step for bringing the arms 21 into position to cause the bridge plates 22 to electrically connect the contacts 6* with the conducting strips 19. Theapparatus is now symbol on the display sign unit 1*. The T symbol key 12 may be then depressed, as shown in Figfl. This will bring its contacts 53-72 into electric connection with the contacts 6*. The contacts 73, 74, of the symboll key 12 will actin the same manner as the contacts 55, 56, of the symbol key 11, for energizing the electromagnet 25 of the stepping device. The Aseveral circuits are completed through the lamps of 'the sign unit 1 and their relays as described lwith reference to the lamps of the sign unit 1.

When it is desired to extinguish the lamps and have the stepping device returned to its normal condition, the release key 13 of the keyboard is depressed. Its contact 77 is brought into electric connection with the main line wire 10 and its contact 75 iS brought into electric connection with the main line wire 4, through the wires 82, 84. The current passing through the wire 84 will energize the electromagnet 34 and the current passing through the wire 82 will energize the electromagnet 80. This will move the armature 79 to first break the circuit through the electromagnetic switch 8, thereby denergizing the electromagnetic switch and causing a break in the line wire-4 and extinguishing all of the illuminated lampsl ofthe Sign. As soon as the armature 79 makes contact with the wire 76, a circuit will be established through the release magnets 41, 41* ofthe relays 5, The energization of the electromagnet 34 causes its armature to draw the pawls 27 and 31 out of engagement with the ratchet wheel 28 of the steppmg device, thus permitting the spring 24 to return the shaft 20 back to its normal position with the bridge 'plates 2.2 in position to electrically connect the contacts 6 with their respective conducting strips 19. The energization of the magnets 41, 41* causes their armatures 42, 42", through their bars 43, 43", to break the electric connection between the plates 39, 40 and 39*, 401, and at the same time permit the armatures 37, 37 of thegroups of relay magnets 5, 5* to fall away from their magnets into position to hold the plates 39, 39* out of electric connection with their plates 40, 40st'.

The space key 14 is provided with the consign unit, which test key,

tacts 85, S6, corresponding to the contacts 5,5, 56, of the I symbol key 1l and the contacts 73, 74, of the T symbol key 12 for completing a circuit throughthe electro-magnet 25 of the stepping device when the space key is depressed and breaking the circuit when t-he key is raised'for advancing the stepping device one step to skip a display sign unit without illuminating any of the lamps thereof, for forming a space between the characters or groups of characters.

The test keyl is provided with co-ntacts corresponding to all of the lamps in each when depressed, will illuminate all of the lamps which are in proper working order, Aso as to give a visual indication of thecondition of the lamps in each of the display sign units. This test key is also provided with the contact-S102, 103 for operating` the stepping device, for bringing the test key successively into position to test :the lamps of each unit of the sign,

That we claim is:

l. In .an electric display sign system, a source of electrical energy, a keyboard, switches selectively controlled thereby, a display sign composed of units, each unit composed of elements selectively controlled by their respective switches, a stepping device controlled by the operation voi? the keys of the keyboard, said stepping device comprising members corresponding to the elements of the units and connections for bringing the elements of the successive sign units into direct connection with the members of the stepping device as the stepping device is: operated and thence to the keyboard switches, connections from said source to the switches and to said "elements and a single -electromagnet for voperating the stepping device.

2. In an electric. display sign system, a'

single source of electrical energy, a keyboard, switches selectively controlled thereby, a display sign composed of units, each unit composed of elements selectively contrclled by their respective, switches, a stepping device controlled by the operation of vthe keys of the keyboard, said stepping device comp'rising members corresponding to the elements of the units and connections for bringing the elements of the successive sign units into direct connection with the members of the stepping device as the stepping device is operated and thence to the keyboard switches, a single electro-magnet connected to said source for operating the stepping device, connections from said source to said keyboard switches'and to said elements,

Aelectro-magnet for returning connections from said switches to said single electro-magnet, a separate electro-magnet, and means controlled by said separate the stepping device to its normal condition. 3. In an electric display sign system, a

single source ofelectr1cal energy, a key` trical energy'.

board, switches selectively controlled thereby, relay magnets, a display. sign composed of-units, each unit composed of elements comprising electrically operated signals, said elements connected to said relay magnets, said elements and relay magnets beingv selectively controlled by their respective keyboard switches, a stepping device controlled by the operation of the keys vof the keyboard, said stepping device comprising members corresponding to the elements of the units and connections for bringing said elements and relay magnets of successive sign units into controllable connection with the keys of the keyboard as the stepping device is operated, a4 suitable circuit including said source, said switches, said relay magnets, said elements and said stepping device for operating said relay magnets and said ele-v ments, and means by the operation of said relay magnets for bringing said signals 'intodirect'connection with said source of elec- 4. In an electric display sign system, a singleV so-urce of electrical energy,l a keyboard, switches selectively controlled thereby, relay magnets, a display sign composed of units, each unit composed of elements comprising electrically operated signals, said elements connected to said relay magselectively controlled by their respective keyboard switches, a stepping device controlled by the operation of the keys of the keyboard, said stepping device comprising members corresponding to the elements of the units and connections for bringing said elements and relay magnets of successive sign units into controllable connection with the keys of the keyboard as the ,steppingf device is op- `erated, a suitable circuit Aincluding sald source, said switches, said relay magnets, sai-d elements and said steppingdevice for operating said relay magnets and said elements, and means controlled by the peration of said relay magnets for bringing said signals into direct connection W1th said source of electrical energy for short circuiting that. part of the energizing circuit from and including said relay magnets to said source of electrical energy.

5. In an electric displaysign system, a single source of electrical energy, a keyboard, switches selectively controlled thereby, relay magnets, a display sign composed of units, each unit composed ofelements comprising electrically operated signals, saidv elements connected to said relay magnets, said elements and relay magnets being selectively controlled by their Arespective keyboard switches, a suitable circuit including said source, said. switches, said. relay magnets and said elements for o erating said relay magnets and elements o successive sign units, and means controlledby nets, said elements and relay magnets being said relay magnets for maintaining said signals in their displayed condition independently of said relay magnets.

.6. In an electric display sign system, a single source of electrical energy, a keyboard, switches selectively controlled thereby, relay magnets, a display sign composed of units, each unit composed ofy elements comprising electrically operated signals, said elements connected to saidrelay magnets, said elements and relay magnets being selectively controlled by their respective keyboard switches, means for bringing said elements and relay n'1a-,f ,uet`s of successive sign units into controllable connection with l the keys of the keyboard, a suitable circuit including said source, said switches, said relay magnets, said elements and said means for operating said relay magnets and elements, and means controlled by said relay ma ets for maintaining. said signals in their. displayed condition independently of said relay magnets.

7. In an electric display sign system, a single source 'of electrical energy, a keyboard, switches selectively controlled thereby, relay magnets, a display sign composed of units, each unit composed of elements .comprising electrically operated signals,

said elements connected to said relay magnets, said elements and relay magnets being selectively controlled by their respective ke board switches, means for bringing said re ay magnets `and elements of successive sign units into controllable connection with the keys of the keyboard, a suitable circuit including said source, said switches, said relay magnets, said elements and said means for operating said relay magnets and said elements, and means controlled by the operation of said relay magnets for bringing said signals into direct connection with said source of, electrical energy, for short circuiting that part, of the energizing circuit from and including said relay magnets to said source, for maintaining said signals in their displayed condition independently of said relay magnets. Y

. .8. In an electric display sign system, a single source of electrical energy, .a keyboard, switches selectively controlledV thereby, relay magnets, a display sign composedl of units, each unit composed of elements comprising electrically operated signals, and connected to said relay magnets, said elem'ents and relay magnets being selectively controlled by their respective keyboard switches, means by the operationof a single electro-magnet controlled bythe operation of the keys of the keyboard for bringing the said relay magnets and elements o successive si units into controllable connection with t e keys of the keyboard, a suitable circuit including said source, said switches, said means, said relay magnets and said elements for operating said relay magnets and elements, and means controlled by the 0peration of said relay magnets for bringing said signals into direct connection with said source of electrical energy, for short circuiting that part of the energizing circuit from and including. said relay magnets to said source, for maintaining said signals in their displayed condition independently of said relay magnets.

9. In an electric displa sign system, a single source of electrica energy, a keyboard, switches selectively controlled thereby, relay magnets, a display sign composed of units, each unit composed .of elements connected to said relay magnets, said elements and relay magnets being selectively controlled by their respective keyboard switches, relay armatures adapted to be attracted by said relay magnets, pairs of springs normally electrically connected and adapted to be withheld from such electrical connection when their respective relay armatures are in their normal unattracted position, a suitable circuit including said source,

said switches, saidjrel'ay magnets, said elements and said pairs of springs for operat- A ing said relay magnets and elements of successive sign units, and means for holding said relay armatures in their attracted posi- ,tion after being attracted by their respective relay magnets independently of said relay magnets.

10. In an electric display sign system, a single source of` electrical energy, a keyboard., switches selectively controlled thereby, relay magnets, a display sign composed of units, each unit composed of elements connected to said relay magnets, said elements and relay magnets being selectively controlled by their respective keyboard switches.

means for bringing said relay magnets and elements of successive sign units into controllable connection with the keys of the keyboard, relay armatures adapted' to be attracted by said relay magnets, pairs of springs normally electrically connected and adaptedtobe withheld from such electrical connection when their respective relay armatures are in their normal unattracted positions, a suitable circuit including said source, said switches, said means, said relay magnets, said elements and said pairs of springs for causing said relay magnets to attract their armatures and for operating said elements, and means for holdingv said relay armatures in their attracted position independently 'of said relay magnets.

11. In an electric display sign system, a single source of .electrical energy, a' keyboard, switches selectively controlled-therebv, relay magnets, a display sign composed of units, each unit composed of elements connected to.,said relay magnets, said elements and relay magnets being selectively switches,

and elements of successive sign units into controllable connection with the keys of the keyboard, relay armatures adapted to be attracted by said relay magnets, pairs of springs'normally electrically connected and adapted to be withheld from such electrical connection when their respective relay armatures are in their normal unattracted position, a suitable circuit including said source, said switches, said relay magnets, said elements, said means and said pairs of springs for causing said relay magnets to attract their respective armatures and for operating said elements so as to bring said elements into direct connection with said source, and means for holding said armatures in their attracted position independently of said relay magnets for maintaining said direct connection between said source and said elements. 4

12. In an electric display sign system, a single source of electrical energy, a keyboard, switches selectively, controlled there-I' by, relay magnets, a display sign composed of units, each unit composed of elements comprising electrically operated signals, said elements connected to said relay magnets, said elements and relay magnetsbeing selectivelycontrolled by their respective keyboard switches, relay armatures adapted to bewattracted by said relay magnets,pairs of springs normally electrically connected and adapted to be withheld from such elec.-

trical connection when their respective relay armatures are in thelr normal unattracted position, a suitable circuit including.

said source, said switches, said relay magnets, said elements, and said pairs of springs for bringing said elements into direct connection with said source by causing said armatures to be attracted by their respective relay magnets, and means for holding said relay armatures in their attracted positions independently .of said relay mag.- nets, for maintaining said direct connection between said elements and said source, for maintaining said signals intheir displayed condition. A

13. In anvelectric display sign system, a single source of electrical energy, a keyboard, switches selectively controlled thereby, relay magnets, a display sign composed of units, each unit composed of elements comprising electrically voperated signals, said elements connected to said relay magnets, said elements and relay magnets being selectively controlled by their respective keyboard switches, means for bringing said elements and relay magnets of successive sign units into controllable connection with .the keys of the keyboard, relay armatures adapted to be attracted by said relay magnets,

pairs of springs normally electrically con'- nected and adapted to be withheld from such electrical connection when their respective relay armatures are in their normal unattracted posltlon, a suitable circuit, in-

-cluding said source, said switches, said elements, said relay magnets, said means, said relay armatures and'said pairs ofsprings for bringing said elements into direct connection with said source by causing said armatures to be attracted by their respective relay magnets, and means vfor holding said relay armatures in their attracted positions independently of said relay magnets, for maintaining said direct connection between said elements and said source, for maintaing said signals in their displayed condition.

l14C. In an electric display sign system, a single source of electrical energy, a keyboard, switches selectively controlled thereby, relay magnets, a display sign composed of units, each unit composedv of elements comprising electrically operated signals, said elements connected to relay magnets, said elements and relay magnets being selectively controlled by their respective keyboard switches, means by the operation of a single electro-magnet for bringing said elements 4and relay magnets of successive sign units into controllable' connection with the keys of the keyboard, relay armatures adapted to be attracted by their respective relay xnagnets, pairs of springs normally electrically connected and adapted to be withheld from such electrical connection when their respective relay armatures are in their normal unattracted position, a suitable circuit including said source, said switches, said elements, said relay magnets, said means controlled by said single electro-magnet; and said pairs of springs for'bringing said elements into direct connection with said source by causing said armatures to be attracted by their respective relay magnets, and means for holding-said relay armatures in their attracted position, independently of said relay magnets, for v maintaining said direct connection between said elements and Said source of electrical energy, for maintaining said signals in their displayed condition.

l5. In an electric display sign system, a single source of electrical energy, afkeyboard, switches electrically controlled thereby, relay magnets, a display sign composed of units, each unit composed of elements comprising electrically operated signals, saidelements connected to said relay magnets, said elements and -relay magnets being selectively controlled by their respective keyboard switches,` meanscontrolled by the operation of a single electro-magnet for bringing said elements andrelaymagnets of successive sign units into controllable connec- "elements and relay magnets of successive tion with the keys of the keyboard, means controlled by said relay magnets for maintaining said signals in their displayed conditions independentlyy ofysaid relay magnets, electro-magnets for controlling the release of said relay magnets, a suitable circuit includin said source, said switches, said elements, said relay magnets, said means for bringing said elements and relay magnets into con-` trollable connection with the keys ofthe keyboard, said means for maintaining said signals in their displayed condition, and said electro-magnets for operating said elements and relay magnets, and means controlled by said electromagnet-s forlpermitting said relay magnets to return to their normal condition.

16. In an electric display sign system, a single source of electrical energy, a keyboard, switches selectively controlled there-y by, relay magnets, a display sign composedof units,I each unit. composed of elements comprising electrically operated signals, said elements connected to said relay magnets,

-said elements and relay magnets being selectively controlled by their respective keyboard switches, a stepping device, said steping device comprising members corresponding to said elements and relay magnets of said units, and connections for bringing said sign units into controllable congection with the keys of the keyboard as the stepping device is operated, means controlled by the operation of sald relay magnets for maintainin said signa-ls in their displayed condition in ependently of said relay magnets, elec` tro-magnets, means controlled by the operation of-said electro-magnets for permitting said relay magnets to return to their normal condition, a separate electro-magnet, a suitable circuit including said source of electrical energy, said keyboard switches, said relay magnets, said elements, said stepping device and all said electro-magnets for operating said elements and relay magnets Aand said stepping device, and means controlled by said separate electromagnet for returning said stepping device to its normal condition.

17. In an electric display sign system, a'

single source of electrical energy, a keyboard, switches selectively controlled thereby, relay magnets, a display sign composed of units, each unit composed of elements comprising electrically operated signals, said elements connected to said relay magnets, said elements and relay magnets being selectively controlled by ltheir respective keyvboard switches, means controlled by a single4 electro-magnet for bringing said elements andl relay magnets of successive sign units into controllable connection] with the keys of the keyboard, means controlled by the operation of said relay magnets for maintaining said signals in their displayed condilbeing selectively controlled by for permitting to their normal condition, a suitable circuit .including said source of electrical energy/,

tion, independently of said relay magnets, a suitable circuit including said source of electrical energy, said keyboard switches, s id elements, said relay magnets and said mens controlled by said single electro-magnet or operating said elements and relay magnets, and an electromagnetic switch or breaking the circuit of said signals for permitting them to return to their normalcondition.

18. In an electric display sign system, a single source of electrical energy, a' keyboard, switches selectively controlled thereby, relay magnets, a'display sign composed of units, each unit composed of elements comprising electrically operated signals, said elements connected to said relay magnets, said elements and relay magnets their respective keyboard switches, means controlledby a single electro-magnet for bringing said elements and relay magnets into controllable connection with the keys of the keyboard, means controlled by said relay magnets for maintaining said signals in their displayed condition independently of said relay magnets,

means for breaking the circuit of said'signals at a single point, electro-magnets, means controlled by said electro-magnets, said relay magnets to return said keyboard switches,- said relay magnets,

said elements, said means controlled by said l single electro-magnet, said means for breaki, ing the circuit of said signals and saidelec- Y said elements and. 1relay magnets and for operating said elec- ;tro-magnets, and means controlledby the operation of a single key of the keyboard for operating said means for breaking the circuit at a. single -point before operating tro-magnets for operating said electro-magnets for-permitting said relay magnets to return to their normal condition.

19. In an electrical display sign system,

a single source of electrical energy, a keyboard, thereby,

switches selectively controlled relay magnets, a display sign composed of units, each unit composed of elements :comprising electrically operated signals, said Ielements connected to said relay magnets, ;said elements and relay magnets being selectively controlled by their respective switches, a stepping'device controlled -by the keys of the keyboard, said stepping device comprising members corresponding to said elements and relay magnets of said units for bringing said elements and relay magnets of successive sign units into controllable connection with the keys of the keyboard as the stepping device is operated, a single electro-magnet for operating said stepping device, means controlled by the operation of said relay magnets for maintaining said signals. in their displayed condition indemagnets, means controlled by the operation of said electro-magnets for permittmg said relay magnets to return to their normal condition, means for breaking the circuit of said, signals at a single point, a separate electro-magnet, means controlled by said separate electro-magnet for returning the stepping device to its normal condition, a suitable circuit including said source of electrical energy, said keyboard switches, said relay magnets, said elements, said stepping device, said single electro-magnet for operating said stepping device, all of said electro-magnets, and said means for breaking the circuit of said signals at a single point for operating said elements, and for'returning said signals to their normal condition, and means controlled by a single key of the keyboard for operating said means for breaking the circuit of said signals at a .single point before operating said electromagnets for permitting said relay magnets to return to their normal condition, for operating said separate electro-magnet for returning said stepping device to its normal condition.

20. In an electric display sign system, a single source of electrical energy, a keyboard, switches selectively controlled thereby, relay magnets, a display sign composed of units, each unit composed of elements comprising electrically operated signals, said elements connected to said relay magnets, said elements and relay magnets being selectively controlledby their respective keyboard switches, a stepping device comprising members corresponding to said elements of said units, for bringing said elements and relay magnets of successive sign units into controllable connectionwith the keys of the keyboard, a single electro-magnet controlled by the keys of the keyboard for operating said stepping device, means controlled by the operationof said relay magnets for maintaining said signals in their displayed conditions independently of said relay magnets, electro-magnets, means controlled by said electro-magnets for permitting said relay magnets to return to their normal condition, an electro-magnetic switch for breaking the circuit of said signals at a single point, a separate electro-magnet, means controlled by said separate electro-magnet for returning saidstepping device to its normal condition, a suitable circuit including said source of electrical energy, said keyboard switches, said relay magnets, said elements, said stepping device, said single electromagnet for operating'said stepping device, all said electro-magnets and said electromagnetic switch for operating said elements and for returning said signals to their normal condition, and means controlled by a single key of the keyboard for releasing said electro-magnetic switch before operating said electro-magnets for permitting said relay magnets to return to their normal condition, for operating said separate electromagnet for returning said stepping device to its normal condition.

In testimony, that we claim the foregoing as our invention, we have-signed our names in presence 'oftwo witnesses, this twentieth l day of August, 1909.

HARVEY L. BURNS. SAMUEL B. WILLIAMS, JR.

Witnesses:

F. GEORGE BARRY, HENRY THIEME. 

